To reduce emissions and combat air pollution, Delhi may ban passenger buses, with the exception of those powered by CNG, electricity, and BS-VI diesel.

Given the state of pollution, buses that do not run on electricity, compressed natural gas (CNG), or meet Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) diesel emission norms may not be allowed to enter the nation’s capital, according to news agency PTI. A number of reasons, including industrial and traffic pollution as well as stubble burning in neighboring states, are contributing to Delhi’s dangerously low air quality.

At present, the only vehicles prohibited from entering the city are trucks, as per the fourth stage of the GRAP.

According to the article, following Chhath Puja, the government is expected to completely prohibit passenger buses—aside from those powered by CNG, electricity, and BS-VI diesel—from entering the nation’s capital.

“Chhath Puja is quickly approaching, and as a result, there is an enormous rush.” We intend to impose a ban following the festival, a person with knowledge of the situation told PTI.

CCTV in Delhi will begin to monitor the entry of cars that cause pollution in 2024.
The goal of the proposed restriction is to reduce emissions from conventional diesel-powered buses, which are known to be a significant cause of the declining quality of the air.

The department and DPCC representatives will meet with Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai this afternoon at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss the implementation of GRAP regulations.

Based on a research conducted by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the city’s pollution levels peak between November 1 and November 15, coinciding with an increase in the number of stubble-burning incidents in Punjab and Haryana.

Despite the strict measures put in place to limit pollution under stage IV of GRAP, such as prohibiting building and the entry of trucks that burn diesel, Delhi’s air quality has declined over the past few days.

In the meanwhile, before next winter, the transport department intends to install cameras for electronic surveillance at all entry points into Delhi in order to penalize vehicles that break pollution regulations, people with knowledge of the situation said on Wednesday. Trucks and buses that violate the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) Grap standards risk a ₹20,000 fine for “no parking.” For any infraction, it is one of the highest traffic ticket amounts.

Source- Hindustan times